National Unity Platform (NUP) flagbearer for Busiro East, Mathias Walukagga, has filed a petition in the High Court challenging his disqualification by the Electoral Commission (EC) over alleged failure to meet the required academic qualifications.
Walukagga’s lawyers argue that the EC acted beyond its mandate by rejecting academic documents that had been approved by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
“EC has no powers to overturn the National Council for Higher Education findings. Its mandate is election management, not determining who went to school or not,” said Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, one of Walukagga’s lawyers.
Walukagga expressed confidence in the courts to uphold justice and criticised the EC for delaying communication of its decision.
“It is deeply regrettable that the Electoral Commission issued a decision dated November 25, 2025, but only delivered it on December 9, 2025, fully aware that this is a matter in which time is of the essence,” Walukagga said.
The disqualification stems from a November 4, 2025, petition by incumbent and former NUP member Medard Seggona, who challenged Walukagga’s academic credentials.
Following its investigation, the EC, led by Justice Simon Byabakama, determined that the Certificate of Mature Age/Aptitude Test presented by Walukagga had expired on October 23, 2025, rendering him ineligible under Section 4(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177.
“Candidate Walukagga Mathias lacked the requisite minimum formal qualifications for the elective office of Member of Parliament. Candidate Walukagga Mathias, therefore, stands denominated,” Justice Byabakama ruled.
Walukagga now turns to the High Court in hopes of overturning the EC decision and reinstating his candidacy for the Busiro East parliamentary seat.
